41 Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John-
41 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
41 Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John
41 Jesus realized that the Pharisees were keeping count of the baptisms that he and John performed
41 Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John
41 Jesus knew the Pharisees had heard that he was baptizing and making more disciples than John
2 although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples.
2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
2 (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples),
2 (although his disciples, not Jesus, did the actual baptizing). They had posted the score that Jesus was ahead, turning him and John into rivals in the eyes of the people.
2 (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples),
2 (though Jesus himself didn't baptize them-his disciples did).
(Read John 4:1-3)
Jesus applied himself more to preaching, which was the more excellent, 1 Corinthians 1:17, than to baptism. He would put honour upon his disciples, by employing them to baptize. He teaches us that the benefit of sacraments depends not on the hand that administers them.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on John 4:1
Commentary on John 4:1-3
(Read John 4:1-3)
Jesus applied himself more to preaching, which was the more excellent, 1 Corinthians 1:17, than to baptism. He would put honour upon his disciples, by employing them to baptize. He teaches us that the benefit of sacraments depends not on the hand that administers them.